Locked On NFL Draft - Daily Podcast On The NFL Draft, College Football & The NFL · Locked On Podcast Network, Damian Parson, Keith Sanchez

D'Angelo Ponds CEMENTS Top NFL Draft Cornerback Status With Testing at Scouting Combine

·29 min·2 clips

D'Angelo Ponds ties the combine vertical jump record, proving his explosiveness with a clutch interception against Denzel Boston.

This episode analyzes standout cornerback performances from the NFL Scouting Combine, hosted by Bleacher Report NFL Draft analyst Damian Parson. Parson breaks down specific prospects who elevated their draft stock through athletic testing and on-field drills. He focuses on six cornerbacks who impressed him with their measurable results and fluidity during workouts. D'Angelo Ponds, a national champion from Indiana, recorded a 43.5-inch vertical jump, tying for the highest mark at the combine. Parson highlights Ponds's smooth and fluid movement during field drills, citing his "oily hips" and sudden change of direction. The analyst argues that if Ponds were 5'11", he would be a guaranteed top-25 draft pick despite his actual height of 5'9". Georgia's Dalen Everette measured at 6'1" and ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash with a 37.5-inch vertical. Malik Muhammad Jr. from Texas tested at 6 feet even, running a 4.42-second 40-yard dash and posting a 39-inch vertical while showing soft hands in the gauntlet drill. Toriano Pride Jr. from Missouri ran a 4.32-second 40-yard dash and recorded a 10'8" broad jump. Ephesians Prysock from Washington, at 6'3", ran a 4.45-second 40-yard dash with a 39-inch vertical and displayed impressive fluidity for his size. Arkansas's Jalen Neal, at 6'2", ran a 4.49-second 40-yard dash, jumped 40 inches vertically, and posted strong three-cone and short shuttle times. Parson repeatedly emphasizes that these testing results force analysts to go back and re-evaluate each player's game film. A surprising claim is that Ponds's combine performance confirms he can play as an outside cornerback, not just a slot nickel, despite his smaller stature. Parson notes that Everette's testing was far better than the "good, not great" athleticism he previously displayed on film. The host suggests that if Prysock were entering the league during the Seattle Seahawks' "Legion of Boom" era, he would be considered "easy money" for that defensive scheme. He also states that Muhammad's verified height of six feet was taller than expected and significantly helps his draft case. The tone is energetic and educational, blending a scout's analytical perspective with a fan's enthusiasm for athletic showcases. The style is conversational and direct, featuring detailed recall of measurements and specific on-field moments. NFL Draft enthusiasts and college football fans tracking prospect evaluations will find this episode highly informative. Listeners seeking broader NFL news or narrative-driven stories might want to skip this technical, combine-focused analysis.

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